Best Nonprofit Organization

Staff Pick

Launched in 1994 under the King William Neighborhood Association’s umbrella, the nonprofit SAY Sí has evolved from a modest operation serving 12 students to a full-time “creative youth development organization” offering tuition-free programming to 200 students representing 70 schools — and reaching thousands more via the outreach initiative ABC (Artists Building Communities). Expanding regularly over the last two decades to accommodate interests and needs, the organization moved into its current home (a 26,000-square-foot converted industrial space) in 2007 and has since launched a Theatre Arts Program and a Game Design Program (Home for Innovation and Video Ecology, aka HIVE Studio). In addition to filling major gaps created by a lack of arts education funding in public schools, SAY Sí stresses the importance of obtaining marketable skills through media arts training. During regular exhibitions, community events and the fall favorite Muertitos Fest, SAY Sí opens its doors to showcase the inspiring young talents they help cultivate.